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Castle · Dinant, Namur
Château et Jardins de Freÿr
Renaissance castle on the banks of the Meuse, south of Dinant, with French gardens from 1760, orange trees in pots planted in the early 18th century, and hornbeam mazes on the upper terrace.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château et Jardins de Freÿr
Château de Freÿr stands on the left bank of the Meuse, between Dinant and Waulsort, facing the stone cliffs of the Rochers de Freÿr. It has belonged to the same family, the Beaufort-Spontin, since 1410. The east wing, the oldest surviving part, dates from 1571 in the Meuse valley Renaissance style. In the 17th century the other wings were added around the courtyard.
The castle hosted Louis XIV, Archduchess Maria Christina and King Stanisław. In 1675, France and Spain signed the so-called Treaty of Freÿr there, also known as the coffee treaty, and local tradition says it was in that room that coffee was served for the first time in Belgium. Inside there are 18th-century furnishings, wall paintings by Frans Snyders and a chapel with a baroque altarpiece.
The gardens were laid out in 1760 in the style of André Le Nôtre and expanded around 1770. The orange trees, mentioned as early as 1710, came from Lunéville and are grown in pots, kept in the orangeries in winter. On the upper terrace are hornbeam mazes totaling about six kilometers and the rococo Frédéric-Salle pavilion, from 1775, with views over the valley.
The water that feeds the ten ponds and fountains comes from the La Rochette spring and flows down to the Meuse.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half to two hours for the castle and gardens.
Best time
The season typically runs from early April to mid-November, Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays, with openings also on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August. The gardens bloom from May to July. Confirm the dates before you go.
How to get there
It is about six kilometers south of Dinant’s center, on the road that follows the Meuse toward Hastière and Givet. There is parking on the estate for cars. In July and August, the longest boat trip departing from Dinant reaches Freÿr.
Tip
The upper terrace has steps, ramps, and grass: wear sneakers. To photograph the Rochers de Freÿr, use the riverbank in front of the castle. Allow time to get lost in the mazes, which children enjoy.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château et Jardins de Freÿr
When does Freÿr Castle open?
The season usually runs from early April to mid-November, Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays. In July and August it is open Tuesday to Sunday. Check before you go.
What was the 'coffee treaty'?
It's the popular name for the Treaty of Freÿr, signed at the castle in 1675 between France and Spain. According to local tradition, coffee was served there for the first time in Belgium.
How old are the orange trees at Freÿr?
Many are over 300 years old. They came from Lunéville at the beginning of the 18th century and are mentioned as early as 1710. They are kept in pots and spend the winter in the orangeries.